India’s political arena has long been plagued by corruption, dynastic rule, and an opaque relationship between politics and business. One of the most vocal critics of this flawed system is Subramanian Swamy, a former law minister and a leading voice in India’s political discourse. Known for his unflinching attacks on the political elite, Swamy has consistently described the “dark side” of Indian politics in scathing terms, calling for reforms while exposing the deep rot within the system. Through his sharp commentary, Swamy’s words resonate as a wake-up call for India’s future.
Swamy has repeatedly pointed out that corruption in India is not an occasional problem, but a “fundamental part” of the political system. In his view, corruption is “widespread, systematic, and embedded in the very fabric of governance.” He believes that it is institutionalized across parties and institutions, and the problem runs far deeper than just isolated incidents or scandals.
Swamy has often argued that “the culture of corruption” is sustained because it has become a standard practice, and politicians act as though it is a normal part of their work. “Corruption in India is not seen as an exception,” he said in a 2011 interview. “It’s almost part of the job description for many politicians.”
One of the prime examples that Swamy has cited is the controversial Adani Group, led by India’s billionaire Gautam Adani. Swamy has called for “greater scrutiny” over the ties between Adani and political leaders, specifically accusing the ruling party of shielding corporate interests. He has famously stated that “the nexus between politics and business is a huge problem”, with the Adani case being a direct manifestation of how big business flourishes through political connections. “Adani is the biggest crony capitalist in India, and this cannot be allowed to continue,” Swamy proclaimed in a 2023 interview, calling for investigations into alleged corporate misdeeds.
The Adani controversy, for Swamy, represents the dangers of unchecked corporate power. He has been a vocal critic of the BJP for allowing Adani’s company to thrive by leveraging political influence. “This relationship is not just about business but about political survival,” he stated. Swamy sees this as symptomatic of the larger issue of corruption in Indian politics.
Another central critique Swamy has leveled is against the dynastic nature of Indian politics. The dominance of political families, particularly the Gandhi family in the Congress Party, has always been a point of contention. Swamy has been vocal about how “dynastic politics is a cancer” that has corrupted India’s democratic process. He claims that this practice “prevents the emergence of fresh ideas and merit-based leadership.”
In his numerous public statements, Swamy has described how “the Congress Party has turned into a family-run business”, where the leadership is handed down like inheritance, rather than being earned through popular consent. He has argued that this “hereditary democracy” has undermined the very essence of a republic, where leaders should rise based on merit, not family lineage. “We don’t need a monarchy in a democracy. India needs leaders who emerge from the people, not from a political family,” he has asserted.
Swamy has also been critical of the rise of dynastic leaders in the BJP, accusing them of perpetuating the same system of inheritance. Politicians like Akhilesh Yadav and Tejaswi Yadav, he says, are not much different from the Congress family in their focus on family power over merit and governance. “The BJP is now playing the same game as Congress — it’s not about merit but about family loyalty,” he said in an interview, underscoring how dynastic tendencies have seeped into the BJP as well.
Swamy, a staunch supporter of Hindu nationalism, has also criticized the BJP for its handling of the Hindutva agenda. While Swamy himself advocates for a strong assertion of Hindu identity, he has cautioned against “excessive Hindu nationalism” that could marginalize other communities. He claims that “the BJP needs to strike a balance between promoting Hindu causes and maintaining India’s secular character.”
His criticism of Hindu nationalism is not merely ideological. Swamy points out that the BJP’s embrace of Hindutva has sometimes been used to distract from core issues like “governance, infrastructure, and economic inequality”. “Hindutva is important, but it should not be used as a smokescreen for failures in governance,” he said during a debate on the role of religion in politics.
At the same time, Swamy is not hesitant to call out the BJP for its inconsistency when it comes to Hindu issues. Despite championing the cause of Hindus, the party’s leadership, in Swamy’s view, often compromises Hindu interests to appease other sections of society for electoral gain. “The BJP is caught between two identities — one as the protector of Hindu interests and another as the party of all Indians,” Swamy remarked, reflecting his frustration with the party’s ability to stay true to its ideological roots.
Swamy’s ongoing campaign against Gautam Adani highlights his concern about the extent of corporate influence in Indian politics. In multiple interviews, Swamy has pointed to “the cozy relationship” between Adani and political leaders as a “significant problem” for India’s democratic future. “When business tycoons become close allies of political parties, it undermines the entire political system,” Swamy remarked during a 2023 address.
The rapid rise of the Adani Group, which now controls a wide array of industries ranging from energy to ports, has raised concerns about crony capitalism. Swamy believes that the government’s “failure to scrutinize Adani’s operations” is symptomatic of a broader issue in Indian politics: the increasing dominance of corporate influence in decision-making. “We need to separate politics from business, or we will end up with a system where the rich and powerful control everything,” he warned.
He points to the “failures of the Congress Party” and the “compromise of the BJP” as the main obstacles to reform. Swamy is particularly critical of the “self-preserving nature of political parties”, which he believes focus more on maintaining their power rather than serving the public. “Political leaders are more interested in their own survival than in the country’s future,” he has remarked, adding that India’s political system will continue to stagnate unless real structural changes are implemented.
Swamy has called for “institutional reforms” that would hold political leaders and corporations accountable, and has frequently pointed to the lack of an effective “anti-corruption framework” as a key reason why the system remains broken. “Until we have a system that allows for accountability, India will continue to be stuck in a cycle of corruption and incompetence,” Swamy warned.
Swamy’s critique of Indian politics, however harsh, presents an urgent call for reform. The “dark side” of Indian politics, characterized by corruption, dynastic rule, and corporate influence, continues to hinder the country’s progress. Swamy’s unrelenting advocacy for transparency, accountability, and a merit-based political system is a reminder that India’s future depends on breaking free from the shackles of corruption and oligarchy. As he often says, “India cannot afford to remain silent while its democracy is hijacked by the corrupt and powerful.”
The task ahead for India is clear: reform its political institutions, empower its citizens, and create a truly representative democracy or risk remaining trapped in the same vicious cycle that Swamy has long warned about.
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